Departure Guide

For the majority of U.S. flights, passengers leaving Toronto will go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Toronto. This means you arrive in the United States as a domestic passenger.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Hours of Operation: 3:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

2.5 Hours

Please check in at least 2.5 hours prior to departure.

Before You Arrive

Save Time at Check-in!

Check in from home as early as 24 hours before your flight. Find out if your airline offers online check-in.

Pack your own baggage and remove all old bag tags to avoid confusion.

Put your name and address on all checked and carry-on luggage before arriving at the airport. For security, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) recommends using your work address, where possible.

Check weight and size restrictions for checked baggage on your ticket or with your airline directly.

Verify that your baggage does not contain any restricted items. For a complete up-to-date list of restricted items please visit catsa-acsta.gc.ca.

Getting To Check-In

Not sure where to go to get your boarding pass? Find check-in on our terminal maps.

Terminal 1Terminal 3

Once You’re Here

Remove or tighten all straps on duffle bags or backpacks.

Have your travel documents and tickets ready before you reach your counter or kiosk.

Identification and Declarations

A valid passport is required for all flights to U.S. destinations. Please note that for select destinations, passports must be valid for a minimum of six months from your departure date. Learn more about additional identification requirements.

Checking In for a U.S.-bound Flight

Terminal 1 and Terminal 3

Check in online or use an airport kiosk. Proceed to the airline check-in counter if you have to check a bag or require additional assistance.

Proceed to the automated bag drop for checked and oversized baggage.

Proceed to the pre-board security screening area.

Proceed to the U.S.CBP hall

During peak travel hours, processes are in place to alleviate wait times and keep security lines moving. NEXUS cardholders and airline passengers with priority access may enter the U.S. CBP hall directly by showing their boarding pass and a valid Nexus card or U.S. CBP Declaration form or card.

Passengers with a valid B1/B2 Visa, ESTA, Legal Permanent Resident Card, Border Crossing Card, American Passport and Canadian passport holders without a Visa or work permit can use the Automated Passport Control kiosks to enter the U.S. These kiosks make it easier and faster to move through US CBP processing by automating the traditional paper declaration form.

Head to your gate.

We apologize for any inconvenience experienced by U.S.-bound guests as a result of longer than usual wait times when accessing U.S. CBP.

Processes are in place to alleviate wait times during peak travel hours, and the airport is working with its government partners on long-term solutions to reduce the delays.

U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services at (905) 676-2563.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at (905) 676-2606 or visit their website.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) are available online.

Nexus and CANPASS

NEXUS is a partnership program between Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows members to clear the border faster in both countries when travelling between the United States and Canada.

CANPASS is a CBSA program that allows members to clear the border faster when travelling into Canadian airports.